United Way honors contributors

Tom Northrop, publisher of the Observer-Reporter, right, presents the Liza N. Beale Loyal Contributors Award to David and Shirley Moore of Washington, who have been United Way supporters since 1960.

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United Way of Washington County held its annual Campaign Celebration and Awards luncheon last week at Bella Sera in Cecil Township, where it was announced the 2013 campaign generated $1,217,121 in contributions.

“This is an exceptional amount of money,” said Sheila Cowieson, United Way board chairman. “Thank you to all of the generous individuals and companies in Washington County who made this possible. Their support and compassion will make it possible for United Way to meet the funding obligations made to the local charities that provide programs and services to people in need.”

Loyal contributors, employee campaign managers and companies with multiple leadership givers were recognized. The following awards were presented:

• Liza N. Beale Loyal Contributors Award – David and Shirley Moore of Washington. The Moores have been United Way supporters for more than 50 years, beginning in 1960 when Moore was a certified public accountant at the Haskins & Sells firm in Pittsburgh. Tom Northrop, publisher of the Observer-Reporter and one of Beale’s cousins, presented the award.

• M. Kathleen Ramsey Student Volunteer of the Year – Hannah Marie Gross, a senior at Peters Township High School, who amassed more than 1,000 volunteer hours during her high school career. A $1,000 scholarship named in honor of Dr. Howard Jack is part of the award. Gross plans to attend Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., in the fall.

• Clyde J. Tracanna Volunteer of the Year – Martina Thomas, owner of the VisuGroup, a graphic design business in Washington. Thomas, a former member of United Way’s board of directors, has been volunteering and donating her services to United Way and several additional local charities since opening her business in 2000.

United Way’s 2014 campaign will kick off in August at the group’s annual golf outing. For more information, call United Way at 724-225-3310.